Trimmable resistor circuit and method for operating the trimmable resistor circuit

ABSTRACT

A trimmable resistor circuit and a method for operating the trimmable resistor circuit are provided. The trimmable resistor circuit includes first sources/drains and first gate structures alternatively arranged in a first row, second sources/drains and second gate structures alternatively arranged in a second row, third sources/drains and third gate structures alternatively arranged in a third row, first resistors disposed between the first row and the second row, and second resistors disposed between the second row and the third row. In the method for operating the trimmable resistor circuit, the first gate structures in the first row and the third gate structures in the third row are turned on. Then, the second gate structures in the second row are turned on/off according to a predetermined resistance value.

RELATED APPLICATION

This application is a Divisional Application of U.S. application Ser. No. 16/168,986, filed Oct. 24, 2018, now U.S. Pat. No. 10,861,849, issued on Dec. 8, 2020, which claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 62/718,941, filed Aug. 14, 2018, all of which are herein incorporated by reference in their entireties.

BACKGROUND

The semiconductor integrated circuit (IC) industry has experienced rapid growth. In the course of the IC evolution, functional density (defined as the number of interconnected devices per chip area) has generally increased while geometry size (i.e., the smallest component (or line) that can be created using a fabrication process) has decreased. A scaling down process generally provides benefits by increasing production efficiency and lowering associated costs. But, such scaling down has increased the complexity of processing and manufacturing ICs. For these advances to be realized, similar developments in IC manufacturing are needed.

For example, as the semiconductor IC industry has progressed into nanometer technology process nodes in pursuit of higher device density, higher performance, and lower costs, challenges from both fabrication and design have resulted in the development of three-dimensional (3D) devices such fin-like field effect transistors (FinFETs). Advantages of FinFET devices include reducing the short channel effect and higher current flow. However, conventional FinFET devices and methods of fabricating FinFET devices have not been entirely satisfactory in all respects.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Aspects of the present disclosure are best understood from the following detailed description when read with the accompanying figures. It is noted that, in accordance with the standard practice in the industry, various features are not drawn to scale. In fact, the dimensions of the various features may be arbitrarily increased or reduced for clarity of discussion.

FIG. 1A is a schematic top view showing a trimmable resistor circuit in accordance with some embodiments of the present disclosure.

FIG. 1B is a schematic top view showing the first resistor circuit and an equivalent circuit thereof in accordance with some embodiments of the present disclosure.

FIG. 1C is a schematic top view showing the second resistor circuit and an equivalent circuit thereof in accordance with some embodiments of the present disclosure.

FIG. 1D is a schematic top view showing the third resistor circuit and an equivalent circuit thereof in accordance with some embodiments of the present disclosure.

FIG. 1E is a schematic top view showing the fourth resistor circuit and an equivalent circuit thereof in accordance with some embodiments of the present disclosure.

FIG. 1F is a schematic circuit diagram showing an equivalent circuit of the trimmable resistor circuit in accordance with some embodiments of the present disclosure.

FIG. 2 is a flow chart showing a method 200 for operating the trimmable resistor circuit in accordance with some embodiments of the present disclosure.

FIG. 3A is a schematic top view showing a trimmable resistor circuit in accordance with some embodiments of the present disclosure.

FIG. 3B is a schematic top view showing the fifth resistor circuit and an equivalent circuit thereof in accordance with some embodiments of the present disclosure.

FIG. 3C is a schematic circuit diagram showing an equivalent circuit of the trimmable resistor circuit in accordance with some embodiments of the present disclosure.

FIG. 4A is a schematic top view showing a trimmable resistor circuit in accordance with some embodiments of the present disclosure.

FIG. 4B is a schematic top view showing the first resistor circuit and an equivalent circuit thereof in accordance with some embodiments of the present disclosure.

FIG. 4C is a schematic top view showing the second resistor circuit and an equivalent circuit thereof in accordance with some embodiments of the present disclosure.

FIG. 4D is a schematic top view showing the third resistor circuit and an equivalent circuit thereof in accordance with some embodiments of the present disclosure.

FIG. 4E is a schematic top view showing the fourth resistor circuit and an equivalent circuit thereof in accordance with some embodiments of the present disclosure.

FIG. 4F is a schematic circuit diagram showing an equivalent circuit of the trimmable resistor circuit in accordance with some embodiments of the present disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The following disclosure provides many different embodiments, or examples, for implementing different features of the provided subject matter. Specific examples of components and arrangements are described below to simplify the present disclosure. These are, of course, merely examples and are not intended to be limiting. For example, the formation of a first feature over or on a second feature in the description that follows may include embodiments in which the first and second features are formed in direct contact, and may also include embodiments in which additional features may be formed between the first and second features, such that the first and second features may not be in direct contact.

Terms used herein are only used to describe the specific embodiments, which are not used to limit the claims appended herewith. For example, unless limited otherwise, the term “one” or “the” of the single form may also represent the plural form. The terms such as “first” and “second” are used for describing various devices, areas and layers, etc., though such terms are only used for distinguishing one device, one area or one layer from another device, another area or another layer. Therefore, the first area can also be referred to as the second area without departing from the spirit of the claimed subject matter, and the others are deduced by analogy. In addition, the present disclosure may repeat reference numerals and/or letters in the various examples. This repetition is for the purpose of simplicity and clarity and does not in itself dictate a relationship between the various embodiments and/or configurations discussed. As used herein, the term “and/or” includes any and all combinations of one or more of the associated listed items.

The FinFET may be patterned by any suitable method. For example, the FinFET may be patterned using one or more photolithography processes, including double-patterning or multi-patterning processes. Generally, double-patterning or multi-patterning processes combine photolithography and self-aligned processes, allowing patterns to be created that have, for example, pitches smaller than what is otherwise obtainable using a single, direct photolithography process. For example, in one embodiment, a sacrificial layer is formed over a substrate and patterned using a photolithography process. Spacers are formed alongside the patterned sacrificial layer using a self-aligned process. The sacrificial layer is then removed, and the remaining spacers may then be used to pattern the FinFET.

Embodiments of the present disclosure are directed to a trimmable resistor circuit and method for operating the trimmable resistor circuit. The trimmable resistor circuit includes first sources/drains, first gate structures, second sources/drains, second gate structures, third sources/drains, third gate structures first resistors and second resistors. The first sources/drains and the first gate structures are alternatively arranged in a first row. The second sources/drains and the second gate structures are alternatively arranged in a second row. The third sources/drains and the third gate structures are alternatively arranged in a third row. The second row is disposed between the first row and the third row. The first resistors are disposed between the first row and the second row, and electrically connected between at least one of the first sources/drains and at least one of the second sources/drains. The second resistors are disposed between the second row and the third row, and electrically connected between at least one of the second sources/drains and at least one of the third sources/drains. In the method for operating the trimmable resistor circuit, a first voltage is applied on the first gate structures in the first row to turn on the first gate structures, such that the first sources/drains in the first row are short-circuited. Then, a second voltage is applied on the third gate structures in the third row to turn on the third gate structures, such that the third sources/drains in the third row are short-circuited. Thereafter, a third voltage is applied on at least one of the second gate structures in the second row in accordance with a predetermined resistance value to enable the trimmable resistor circuit to have the predetermined resistance value.

FIG. 1A is a schematic top view showing a trimmable resistor circuit 100 in accordance with some embodiments of the present disclosure. The trimmable resistor circuit 100 is configured to be operated to provide a predetermined resistance value for a user. In some embodiments, the predetermined resistance value is ranged from about 10 ohm to about 1000 ohm. In some embodiments, a rated current of the trimmable resistor circuit 100 is greater than 1 mA. The trimmable resistor circuit 100 includes resistors R21-R25, R31-R35, R41-R45, R51-R55 and FinFET devices arranged in rows 11, 12, 13, 14, 15 and 16. The resistors R21-R25, R31-R35, R41-R45, and R51-R55 are disposed between the rows 11, 12, 13, 14, 15 and 16. Each of the rows 11, 12, 13, 14, 15 and 16 includes sources/drains 110 and gate structures 120 alternatively arranged on a fin structure 140. In some embodiments, contacts 130 are disposed on the gate structures 120 and vias 130 a are formed on the contacts 130. The trimmable resistor circuit 100 receives an input voltage V_(in) through at least one of the sources/drains 110 in the first row 11, and outputs an output voltage V_(out) through at least one of the sources/drains 110 in the sixth row 16. In some embodiments, the trimmable resistor circuit 100 can be divided into a first resistor circuit 151, a second resistor circuit 152, a third resistor circuit 153, a fourth resistor circuit 154, a first isolation circuit 155, a second isolation circuit 156 and a third isolation circuit 157.

The first isolation circuit 155 is disposed between the first resistor circuit 151 and the second resistor circuit 152. The first isolation circuit 155 is configured to isolate the sources/drains 110 of the first resistor circuit 151 in the rows 12, 13, 14 and 15 from the sources/drains 110 of the second resistor circuit 152 in the rows 12, 13, 14 and 15. For example, a voltage can be applied on the gate structures 120 of the first isolation circuit 155 to turn off the gate structures 120. In this case, the gate structures 120 of the first isolation circuit 155 are open, such that the sources/drains 110 of the first resistor circuit 151 in the rows 12, 13, 14 and 15 are electrically isolated from the sources/drains 110 of the second resistor circuit 152 in the rows 12, 13, 14 and 15.

The second isolation circuit 156 is disposed between the second resistor circuit 152 and the third resistor circuit 153. The second isolation circuit 156 is configured to isolate the sources/drains 110 of the second resistor circuit 152 in the rows 12, 13, 14 and 15 from the sources/drains 110 of the third resistor circuit 153 in the rows 12, 13, 14 and 15. For example, a voltage can be applied on the gate structures 120 of the second isolation circuit 156 to turn off the gate structures 120. In this case, the gate structures 120 of the second isolation circuit 156 are open, such that the sources/drains 110 of the second resistor circuit 152 in the rows 12, 13, 14 and 15 are electrically isolated from the sources/drains 110 of the third resistor circuit 153 in the rows 12, 13, 14 and 15.

The third isolation circuit 157 is disposed between the third resistor circuit 153 and the fourth resistor circuit 154. The third isolation circuit 157 is configured to isolate the sources/drains 110 of the third resistor circuit 153 in the rows 12, 13, 14 and 15 from the sources/drains 110 of the fourth resistor circuit 154 in the rows 12, 13, 14 and 15. For example, a voltage can be applied on the gate structures 120 of the third isolation circuit 157 to turn off the gate structures 120. In this case, the gate structures 120 of the third isolation circuit 157 are open, such that the sources/drains 110 of the third resistor circuit 153 in the rows 12, 13, 14 and 15 are electrically isolated from the sources/drains 110 of the fourth resistor circuit 154 in the rows 12, 13, 14 and 15.

In some embodiments, the gate structures 120 in the first row 11 and the sixth row 16 are turned on, thereby enabling the gate structures 120 in the first row 11 and the sixth row 16 to be short-circuited. Therefore, the sources/drains 110 in the first row 11 and the sixth row 16 are short-circuited, such that the first resistor circuit 151, the second resistor circuit 152, the third resistor circuit 153 and the fourth resistor circuit 154 are electrically connected in parallel.

FIG. 1B is a schematic top view showing the first resistor circuit 151 and an equivalent circuit thereof in accordance with some embodiments of the present disclosure. For purposes of convenience, the sources/drains and gate structures of the first resistor circuit 151 are represented with different reference numbers. The first resistor circuit 151 includes sources/drains 111 a, 111 b, 111 c, 111 d, 111 e, 111 f, 111 g, 111 h, 111 i, 111 j, 111 k, 111 l, and gate structures 121 a, 121 b, 121 c, 121 d, 121 e and 121 f. The gate structure 121 a and the sources/drains 111 a, 111 b are arranged in the first row 11, in which the gate structure 121 a is disposed between the sources/drains 111 a and 111 b. The gate structure 121 b and the sources/drains 111 c, 111 d are arranged in the second row 12, in which the gate structure 121 b is disposed between the sources/drains 111 c and 111 d. The gate structure 121 c and the sources/drains 111 e, 111 f are arranged in the third row 13, in which the gate structure 121 c is disposed between the sources/drains 111 e and 111 f. The gate structure 121 d and the sources/drains 111 g, 111 h are arranged in the fourth row 14, in which the gate structure 121 d is disposed between the sources/drains 111 g and 111 f. The gate structure 121 e and the sources/drains 111 i, 111 j are arranged in the fifth row 15, in which the gate structure 121 e is disposed between the sources/drains 111 i and 111 j. The gate structure 121 f and the sources/drains 111 k, 111 l are arranged in the sixth row 16, in which the gate structure 121 f is disposed between the sources/drains 111 l and 111 k.

The resistor R21 is disposed between the first row 11 and second row 12. In some embodiments, the resistor R21 is electrically connected between the sources/drains 111 b and 111 d. The resistor R22 is disposed between the second row 12 and third row 13. In some embodiments, the resistor R22 is electrically connected between the sources/drains 111 c and 111 e. The resistor R23 is disposed between the third row 13 and fourth row 14. In some embodiments, the resistor R23 is electrically connected between the sources/drains 111 f and 111 h. The resistor R24 is disposed between the fourth row 14 and fifth row 15. In some embodiments, the resistor R24 is electrically connected between the sources/drains 111 g and 111 i. The resistor R25 is disposed between the fifth row 15 and the sixth row 16. In some embodiments, the resistor R25 is electrically connected between the sources/drains 111 j and 111 l.

When the first resistor circuit 151 is operated, the gate structures 121 a and 121 f in the first row 11 and the sixth row 16 are always short-circuited to reduce the values of the parasitic resistances R_(parasitic-11) and R_(parasitic-12), and the gate structures 121 b, 121 c, 121 d and 121 e are turned on/off in accordance with the predetermined resistance value. Therefore, switches SW11 and SW12 are used to represent the gate structures 121 b, 121 c, 121 d and 121 e, and resistance ER1 is used to represent a sum of the values of the resistors R21, R22, R23, R24 and R25.

FIG. 1C is a schematic top view showing the second resistor circuit 152 and an equivalent circuit thereof in accordance with some embodiments of the present disclosure. For purposes of convenience, the sources/drains and gate structures of the second resistor circuit 152 are represented with different reference numbers. The second resistor circuit 152 includes sources/drains 112 a, 112 b, 112 c, 112 d, 112 e, 112 f, 112 g, 112 h, 112 i, 112 j, 112 k, 112 l, and gate structures 122 a, 122 b, 122 c, 122 d, 122 e and 122 f. The gate structure 122 a and the sources/drains 112 a, 112 b are arranged in the first row 11, in which the gate structure 122 a is disposed between the sources/drains 112 a and 112 b. The gate structure 122 b and the sources/drains 112 c, 112 d are arranged in the second row 12, in which the gate structure 122 b is disposed between the sources/drains 112 c and 112 d. The gate structure 122 c and the sources/drains 112 e, 112 f are arranged in the third row 13, in which the gate structure 122 c is disposed between the sources/drains 112 e and 112 f. The gate structure 122 d and the sources/drains 112 g, 112 h are arranged in the fourth row 14, in which the gate structure 122 d is disposed between the sources/drains 112 g and 112 f. The gate structure 122 e and the sources/drains 112 i, 112 j are arranged in the fifth row 15, in which the gate structure 122 e is disposed between the sources/drains 112 i and 112 j. The gate structure 122 f and the sources/drains 112 k, 112 l are arranged in the sixth row 16, in which the gate structure 122 f is disposed between the sources/drains 112 l and 112 k.

The resistor R31 is disposed between the first row 11 and second row 12. In some embodiments, the resistor R31 is electrically connected between the sources/drains 112 b and 112 d. The resistor R32 is disposed between the second row 12 and third row 13. In some embodiments, the resistor R32 is electrically connected between the sources/drains 112 c and 112 e. The resistor R33 is disposed between the third row 13 and fourth row 14. In some embodiments, the resistor R33 is electrically connected between the sources/drains 112 f and 112 h. The resistor R34 is disposed between the fourth row 14 and fifth row 15. In some embodiments, the resistor R34 is electrically connected between the sources/drains 112 g and 112 i. The resistor R35 is disposed between the fifth row 15 and the sixth row 16. In some embodiments, the resistor R35 is electrically connected between the sources/drains 112 j and 112 l.

When the second resistor circuit 152 is operated, the gate structures 122 a and 122 f in the first row 11 and the sixth row 16 are always short-circuited to reduce the values of the parasitic resistances R_(parasitic-21) and R_(parasitic-22), and the gate structures 122 b, 122 c, 122 d and 122 e are turned on/off in accordance with the predetermined resistance value. Therefore, switches SW21 and SW22 are used to represent the gate structures 122 b, 122 c, 122 d and 122 e, and resistance ER2 is used to represent a sum of the values of the resistors R31, R32, R33, R34 and R35.

FIG. 1D is a schematic top view showing the third resistor circuit 153 and an equivalent circuit thereof in accordance with some embodiments of the present disclosure. For purposes of convenience, the sources/drains and gate structures of the third resistor circuit 153 are represented with different reference numbers. The third resistor circuit 153 includes sources/drains 113 a, 113 b, 113 c, 113 d, 113 e, 113 f, 113 g, 113 h, 113 i, 113 j, 113 k, 113 l, and gate structures 123 a, 123 b, 123 c, 123 d, 123 e, 123 f and 123 g. The gate structure 123 a, the gate structures 123 g and the sources/drains 113 a, 113 b are arranged in the first row 11, in which the gate structure 123 a is disposed between the sources/drains 113 a and 113 b to divide the sources/drains 113 a and 113 b into a first group including the sources/drains 113 a and a second group including the sources/drains 113 b. With respect to the first group of sources/drains 113 a, the gate structure 123 g is disposed between the sources/drains 113 a. Similarly, with respect to the second group of sources/drains 113 b, the gate structure 123 g is disposed between the sources/drains 113 b.

The gate structure 123 b, the gate structures 123 g and the sources/drains 113 c, 113 d are arranged in the second row 12, in which the gate structure 123 b is disposed between the sources/drains 113 c and 113 d to divide the sources/drains 113 c and 113 d into a first group including the sources/drains 113 c and a second group including the sources/drains 113 d. With respect to the first group of sources/drains 113 c, the gate structure 123 g is disposed between the sources/drains 113 c. Similarly, with respect to the second group of sources/drains 113 d, the gate structure 123 g is disposed between the sources/drains 113 d. The gate structure 123 c, the gate structures 123 g and the sources/drains 113 e, 113 f are arranged in the third row 13, in which the gate structure 123 c is disposed between the sources/drains 113 e and 113 f to divide the sources/drains 113 e and 113 f into a first group including the sources/drains 113 e and a second group including the sources/drains 113 f. With respect to the first group of sources/drains 113 e, the gate structure 123 g is disposed between the sources/drains 113 e. Similarly, with respect to the second group of sources/drains 113 f, the gate structure 123 g is disposed between the sources/drains 113 f.

The gate structure 123 d, the gate structures 123 g and the sources/drains 113 g, 113 h are arranged in the fourth row 14, in which the gate structure 123 d is disposed between the sources/drains 113 g and 113 h to divide the sources/drains 113 g and 113 h into a first group including the sources/drains 113 g and a second group including the sources/drains 113 h. With respect to the first group of sources/drains 113 g, the gate structure 123 g is disposed between the sources/drains 113 g. Similarly, with respect to the second group of sources/drains 113 h, the gate structure 123 g is disposed between the sources/drains 113 h. The gate structure 123 e, the gate structures 123 g and the sources/drains 113 i, 113 j are arranged in the fifth row 15, in which the gate structure 123 e is disposed between the sources/drains 113 i and 113 j to divide the sources/drains 113 i and 113 j into a first group including the sources/drains 113 i and a second group including the sources/drains 113 j. With respect to the first group of the sources/drains 113 i, the gate structure 123 g is disposed between the sources/drains 113 i. Similarly, with respect to the second group of sources/drains 113 j, the gate structure 123 g is disposed between the sources/drains 113 j. The gate structure 123 f, the gate structures 123 g and the sources/drains 113 k, 113 l are arranged in the sixth row 16, in which the gate structure 123 f is disposed between the sources/drains 113 k and 113 l to divide the sources/drains 113 k and 113 l into a first group including the sources/drains 113 k and a second group including the sources/drains 113 l. With respect to the first group of sources/drains 113 k, the gate structure 123 g is disposed between the sources/drains 113 k. Similarly, with respect to the second group of sources/drains 113 l, the gate structure 123 g is disposed between the sources/drains 113 l.

The resistors R41 are disposed between the first row 11 and second row 12. In some embodiments, the resistors R41 are electrically connected in parallel between the sources/drains 113 b and 113 d. The resistors R42 are disposed between the second row 12 and third row 13. In some embodiments, the resistors R42 are electrically connected in parallel between the sources/drains 113 c and 113 e. The resistors R43 are disposed between the third row 13 and fourth row 14. In some embodiments, the resistors R43 are electrically connected in parallel between the sources/drains 113 f and 113 h. The resistors R44 are disposed between the fourth row 14 and fifth row 15. In some embodiments, the resistors R44 are electrically connected in parallel between the sources/drains 113 g and 113 i. The resistors R45 are disposed between the fifth row 15 and the sixth row 16. In some embodiments, the resistors R45 are electrically connected in parallel between the sources/drains 113 j and 113 l.

The third resistor circuit 153 can be divided into a left part 153 a and a right part 153 b. When the third resistor circuit 153 is operated, the gate structures 123 g in the left part 153 a and the right part 153 b are always short-circuited, and the gate structures 123 b, 123 c, 123 d and 123 e disposed between the left part 153 a and the right part 153 b are turned on/off in accordance with the predetermined resistance value. Therefore, switches SW31 and SW32 are used to represent the gate structures 123 b, 123 c, 123 d and 123 e, and resistance ER3 is used to represent a sum of the values of the parallel resistors R41, R42, R43, R44 and R45. Further, the gate structures 123 a, 123 f and 123 g in the first row 11 and the sixth row 16 are always short-circuited to reduce the values of the parasitic resistances R_(parasitic-31) and R_(parasitic-32).

FIG. 1E is a schematic top view showing the fourth resistor circuit 154 and an equivalent circuit thereof in accordance with some embodiments of the present disclosure. For purposes of convenience, the sources/drains and gate structures of the fourth resistor circuit 154 are represented with different reference numbers. The fourth resistor circuit 154 includes sources/drains 114 a, 114 b, 114 c, 114 d, 114 e, 114 f, 114 g, 114 h, 114 i, 114 j, 114 k, 114 l, and gate structures 124 a, 124 b, 124 c, 124 d, 124 e, 124 f and 124 g. The gate structure 124 a, the gate structures 124 g and the sources/drains 114 a, 114 b are arranged in the first row 11, in which the gate structure 124 a is disposed between the sources/drains 114 a and 114 b to divide the sources/drains 114 a and 114 b into a first group including the sources/drains 114 a and a second group including the sources/drains 114 b. With respect to the first group of sources/drains 114 a, the gate structures 124 g and the sources/drains 114 a are alternatively arranged. Similarly, with respect to the second group of sources/drains 114 b, the gate structures 124 g and the sources/drains 114 b are alternatively arranged.

The gate structure 124 b, the gate structures 124 g and the sources/drains 114 c, 114 d are arranged in the second row 12, in which the gate structure 124 b is disposed between the sources/drains 114 c and 114 d to divide the sources/drains 114 c and 114 d into a first group including the sources/drains 114 c and a second group including the sources/drains 114 d. With respect to the first group of sources/drains 114 c, the gate structures 124 g and the sources/drains 114 c are alternatively arranged. Similarly, with respect to the second group of sources/drains 114 d, the gate structures 124 g and the sources/drains 114 d are alternatively arranged. The gate structure 124 c, the gate structures 124 g and the sources/drains 114 e, 114 f are arranged in the third row 13, in which the gate structure 124 c is disposed between the sources/drains 114 e and 114 f to divide the sources/drains 114 e and 114 f into a first group including the sources/drains 114 e and a second group including the sources/drains 114 f. With respect to the first group of sources/drains 114 e, the gate structures 124 g and the sources/drains 114 e are alternatively arranged. Similarly, with respect to the second group of sources/drains 114 f, the gate structures 124 g and the sources/drains 114 f are alternatively arranged.

The gate structure 124 d, the gate structures 124 g and the sources/drains 114 g, 114 h are arranged in the fourth row 14, in which the gate structure 124 d is disposed between the sources/drains 114 g and 114 h to divide the sources/drains 114 g and 114 h into a first group including the sources/drains 114 g and a second group including the sources/drains 114 h. With respect to the first group of sources/drains 114 g, the gate structures 124 g and the sources/drains 114 g are alternatively arranged. Similarly, with respect to the second group of sources/drains 114 h, the gate structures 124 g and the sources/drains 114 h are alternatively arranged. The gate structure 124 e, the gate structures 124 g and the sources/drains 114 i, 114 j are arranged in the fifth row 15, in which the gate structure 124 e is disposed between the sources/drains 114 i and 114 j to divide the sources/drains 114 i and 114 j into a first group including the sources/drains 114 i and a second group including the sources/drains 114 j. With respect to the first group of sources/drains 114 i, the gate structures 124 g and the sources/drains 114 i are alternatively arranged. Similarly, with respect to the second group of sources/drains 114 j, the gate structures 124 g and the sources/drains 114 j are alternatively arranged. The gate structure 124 f, the gate structures 124 g and the sources/drains 114 k, 114 l are arranged in the sixth row 16, in which the gate structure 124 f is disposed between the sources/drains 114 k and 114 l to divide the sources/drains 114 k and 114 l into a first group including the sources/drains 114 k and a second group including the sources/drains 114 l. With respect to the first group of sources/drains 114 k, the gate structures 124 g and the sources/drains 114 k are alternatively arranged. Similarly, with respect to the second group of sources/drains 114 l, the gate structures 124 g and the sources/drains 114 l are alternatively arranged.

The resistors R51 are disposed between the first row 11 and second row 12. In some embodiments, the resistors R51 are electrically connected in parallel between the sources/drains 114 b and 114 d. The resistors R52 are disposed between the second row 12 and third row 13. In some embodiments, the resistors R52 are electrically connected in parallel between the sources/drains 114 c and 114 e. The resistors R53 are disposed between the third row 13 and fourth row 14. In some embodiments, the resistors R53 are electrically connected in parallel between the sources/drains 114 f and 114 h. The resistors R54 are disposed between the fourth row 14 and fifth row 15. In some embodiments, the resistors R54 are electrically connected in parallel between the sources/drains 114 g and 114 i. The resistors R55 are disposed between the fifth row 15 and the sixth row 16. In some embodiments, the resistors R55 are electrically connected in parallel between the sources/drains 114 j and 114 l.

The fourth resistor circuit 154 can be divided into a left part 154 a and a right part 154 b. When the fourth resistor circuit 154 is operated, the gate structures 124 g in the left part 154 a and the right part 154 b are always short-circuited, and the gate structures 124 b, 124 c, 124 d and 124 e disposed between the left part 154 a and the right part 154 b are turned on/off in accordance with the predetermined resistance value. Therefore, switches SW41 and SW42 are used to represent the gate structures 124 b, 124 c, 124 d and 124 e, and resistance ER4 is used to represent a sum of the values of the parallel resistors R51, R52, R53, R54 and R55. Further, the gate structures 124 a, 124 f and 124 g in the first row 11 and the sixth row 16 are always short-circuited to reduce the values of the parasitic resistances R_(parasitic-41) and R_(parasitic-42). In some embodiments, all the sources/drains 110 in the first row 11 are designed to have vias for electrical connection to the input voltage V_(in), and all the sources/drains 110 in the sixth row 16 are designed to have vias for outputting the output voltage V_(out), thereby further reducing the values of the parasitic resistances R_(parasitic-41) and R_(parasitic-42).

FIG. 1F is a schematic circuit diagram showing an equivalent circuit of the trimmable resistor circuit 100 in accordance with some embodiments of the present disclosure. Because the first resistor circuit 151, the second resistor circuit 152, the third resistor circuit 153 and the fourth resistor circuit 154 are electrically connected in parallel, the parasitic resistances R_(parasitic-11), R_(parasitic-21), R_(parasitic-31) and R_(parasitic-41) are electrically connected in parallel and represented by a parasitic resistance R_(parasitic-T11), and the parasitic resistances R_(parasitic-12), R_(parasitic-22), R_(parasitic-32) and R_(parasitic-42) are electrically connected in parallel and represented by a parasitic resistance R_(parasitic-T12). As shown in FIG. 1F, a resistance value of the trimmable resistor circuit 100 is determined by the states of the switches SW11, SW12, SW21, SW22, SW31, SW32, SW41 and SW42. Therefore, the user can switch the switches SW11, SW12, SW21, SW22, SW31, SW32, SW41 and SW42 to enable the trimmable resistor circuit 100 to have the predetermined resistance value desired for the user. In some embodiments, the value of the resistance ER2 is equal to the value of the resistance ER1; the value of the resistance ER3 is twice the value of the resistance ER2; the value of the resistance ER4 is twice the value of the resistance ER3.

FIG. 2 is a flow chart showing a method 200 for operating the trimmable resistor circuit 100 in accordance with some embodiments of the present disclosure. In the method 200, at operation 210, a first voltage is applied on all gate structures 120 of the first isolation circuit 155, the second isolation circuit 156 and the third isolation circuit 157 to isolate the first resistor circuit 151, the second resistor circuit 152, the third resistor circuit 153 and the fourth resistor circuit 154 from each other. Then, at operation 220, a second voltage is applied on all gate structures 120 in the first row 11 and the sixth row 16, such that the first resistor circuit 151, the second resistor circuit 152, the third resistor circuit 153 and the fourth resistor circuit 154 are electrically connected in parallel. Thereafter, at operation 230, the gate structures 121 b, 121 c, 121 d and 121 e of the first resistor circuit 151 is turned on/off in accordance with the predetermined resistance value desired for the user. Then, at operation 240, the gate structures 122 b, 122 c, 122 d and 122 e of the second resistor circuit 152 is turned on/off in accordance with the predetermined resistance value. Thereafter, at operation 250, the gate structures 123 b, 123 c, 123 d and 123 e of the third resistor circuit 153 is turned on/off in accordance with the predetermined resistance value. Then, at operation 260, the gate structures 124 b, 124 c, 124 d and 124 e of the fourth resistor circuit 154 is turned on/off in accordance with the predetermined resistance value.

FIG. 3A is a schematic top view showing a trimmable resistor circuit 200 in accordance with some embodiments of the present disclosure. The trimmable resistor circuit 200 includes the trimmable resistor circuit 100 and additional circuits for expansion. In some embodiments, the trimmable resistor circuit 200 includes the resistors R21-R25, R31-R35, R41-R45, R51-R55, resistors R61-R65 and FinFET devices arranged in rows 21, 22, 23, 24, 25 and 26. The first row 21 includes the row 11 and additional sources/drains 110 and gate structures 120. The second row 22 includes the row 12 and additional sources/drains 110 and gate structures 120. The third row 23 includes the row 13 and additional sources/drains 110 and gate structures 120. The fourth row 24 includes the row 14 and additional sources/drains 110 and gate structures 120. The fifth row 25 includes the row 15 and additional sources/drains 110 and gate structures 120. The sixth row 26 includes the row 16 and additional sources/drains 110 and gate structures 120.

The trimmable resistor circuit 200 can be divided into the trimmable resistor circuit 100, a fifth resistor circuit 251 and a fourth isolation circuit 252 disposed between the trimmable resistor circuit 100 and the fifth resistor circuit 251. The fourth isolation circuit 252 is configured to isolate the sources/drains 110 of the trimmable resistor circuit 100 in the rows 22, 23, 23 and 25 from the sources/drains 110 of the fifth resistor circuit 251 in the rows 22, 23, 24 and 25. For example, a voltage can be applied on the gate structures 120 of the fourth isolation circuit 252 to turn off the gate structures 120. In this case, the gate structures 120 of the fourth isolation circuit 252 are open, such that the sources/drains 110 of the trimmable resistor circuit 100 in the rows 22, 23, 24 and 25 are electrically isolated from the sources/drains 110 of the fifth resistor circuit 251 in the rows 22, 23, 24 and 25.

In some embodiments, the gate structures 120 in the first row 21 and the sixth row 26 are turned on, thereby enabling the gate structures 120 in the first row 21 and the sixth row 26 to be short-circuited. Therefore, the sources/drains 110 in the first row 21 and the sixth row 26 are short-circuited, such that the fifth resistor circuit 251 and the first resistor circuit 151, the second resistor circuit 152, the third resistor circuit 153 and the fourth resistor circuit 154 of the trimmable resistor circuit 100 are electrically connected in parallel.

FIG. 3B is a schematic top view showing the fifth resistor circuit 251 and an equivalent circuit thereof in accordance with some embodiments of the present disclosure. For purposes of convenience, the sources/drains and gate structures of the fifth resistor circuit 251 are represented with different reference numbers. The fifth resistor circuit 251 includes sources/drains 115 a, 115 b, 115 c, 115 d, 115 e, 115 f, 115 g, 115 h, 115 i, 115 j, 115 k, 115 l, and gate structures 125 a, 125 b, 125 c, 125 d, 125 e, 125 f and 125 g. The gate structure 125 a, the gate structures 125 g and the sources/drains 115 a, 115 b are arranged in the first row 21, in which the gate structure 125 a is disposed between the sources/drains 115 a and 115 b to divide the sources/drains 115 a and 115 b into a first group including the sources/drains 115 a and a second group including the sources/drains 115 b. With respect to the first group of sources/drains 115 a, the gate structures 125 g and the sources/drains 115 a are alternatively arranged. Similarly, with respect to the second group of sources/drains 115 b, the gate structures 125 g and the sources/drains 115 b are alternatively arranged.

The gate structure 125 b, the gate structures 125 g and the sources/drains 115 c, 115 d are arranged in the second row 22, in which the gate structure 125 b is disposed between the sources/drains 115 c and 115 d to divide the sources/drains 115 c and 115 d into a first group including the sources/drains 115 c and a second group including the sources/drains 115 d. With respect to the first group of sources/drains 115 c, the gate structures 125 g and the sources/drains 115 c are alternatively arranged. Similarly, with respect to the second group of sources/drains 115 d, the gate structures 125 g and the sources/drains 115 d are alternatively arranged. The gate structure 125 c, the gate structures 125 g and the sources/drains 115 e, 115 f are arranged in the third row 23, in which the gate structure 125 c is disposed between the sources/drains 115 e and 115 f to divide the sources/drains 115 e and 115 f into a first group including the sources/drains 115 e and a second group including the sources/drains 115 f. With respect to the first group of sources/drains 115 e, the gate structures 125 g and the sources/drains 115 e are alternatively arranged. Similarly, with respect to the second group of sources/drains 115 f, the gate structures 125 g and the sources/drains 115 f are alternatively arranged.

The gate structure 125 d, the gate structures 125 g and the sources/drains 115 g, 115 h are arranged in the fourth row 24, in which the gate structure 125 d is disposed between the sources/drains 115 g and 115 h to divide the sources/drains 115 g and 115 h into a first group including the sources/drains 115 g and a second group including the sources/drains 115 h. With respect to the first group of sources/drains 115 g, the gate structures 125 g and the sources/drains 115 g are alternatively arranged. Similarly, with respect to the second group of sources/drains 115 h, the gate structures 125 g and the sources/drains 115 h are alternatively arranged. The gate structure 125 e, the gate structures 125 g and the sources/drains 115 i, 115 j are arranged in the fifth row 15, in which the gate structure 125 e is disposed between the sources/drains 115 i and 115 j to divide the sources/drains 115 i and 115 j into a first group including the sources/drains 115 i and a second group including the sources/drains 115 j. With respect to the first group of sources/drains 115 i, the gate structures 125 g and the sources/drains 115 i are alternatively arranged. Similarly, with respect to the second group of sources/drains 115 j, the gate structures 125 g and the sources/drains 115 j are alternatively arranged. The gate structure 125 f, the gate structures 125 g and the sources/drains 115 k, 115 l are arranged in the sixth row 26, in which the gate structure 125 f is disposed between the sources/drains 115 k and 115 l to divide the sources/drains 115 k and 115 l into a first group including the sources/drains 115 k and a second group including the sources/drains 115 l. With respect to the first group of sources/drains 115 k, the gate structures 125 g and the sources/drains 115 k are alternatively arranged. Similarly, with respect to the second group of sources/drains 115 l, the gate structures 125 g and the sources/drains 115 l are alternatively arranged.

The resistors R61 are disposed between the first row 21 and second row 22. In some embodiments, the resistors R61 are electrically connected in parallel between the sources/drains 115 b and 115 d. The resistors R62 are disposed between the second row 22 and third row 23. In some embodiments, the resistors R62 are electrically connected in parallel between the sources/drains 115 c and 115 e. The resistors R63 are disposed between the third row 23 and fourth row 24. In some embodiments, the resistors R63 are electrically connected in parallel between the sources/drains 115 f and 115 h. The resistors R64 are disposed between the fourth row 24 and fifth row 25. In some embodiments, the resistors R64 are electrically connected in parallel between the sources/drains 115 g and 115 i. The resistors R65 are disposed between the fifth row 25 and the sixth row 26. In some embodiments, the resistors R65 are electrically connected in parallel between the sources/drains 115 j and 115 l.

The fifth resistor circuit 251 can be divided into a left part 251 a and a right part 251 b. When the fifth resistor circuit 251 is operated, the gate structures 125 g in the left part 251 a and the right part 251 b are always short-circuited, and the gate structures 125 b, 125 c, 125 d and 125 e disposed between the left part 251 a and the right part 251 b are turned on/off in accordance with the predetermined resistance value. Therefore, switches SW51 and SW52 are used to represent the gate structures 125 b, 125 c, 125 d and 125 e, and resistance ER5 is used to represent a sum of the values of the parallel resistors R61, R62, R63, R64 and R65. Further, the gate structures 125 a, 125 f and 125 g in the first row 21 and the sixth row 26 are always short-circuited to reduce the values of the parasitic resistances R_(parasitic-51) and R_(parasitic-52).

FIG. 3C is a schematic circuit diagram showing an equivalent circuit of the trimmable resistor circuit 200 in accordance with some embodiments of the present disclosure. Because the first resistor circuit 151, the second resistor circuit 152, the third resistor circuit 153, the fourth resistor circuit 154 and the fifth resistor circuit 251 are electrically connected in parallel, the parasitic resistances R_(parasitic-11), R_(parasitic-21), R_(parasitic-31), R_(parasitic-41) and R_(parasitic-51) are electrically connected in parallel and represented by a parasitic resistance R_(parasitic-T21), and the parasitic resistances R_(parasitic-12), R_(parasitic-22), R_(parasitic-32), R_(parasitic-42) and R_(parasitic-52) are electrically connected in parallel and represented by a parasitic resistance R_(parasitic-T22). As shown in FIG. 3C, a resistance value of the trimmable resistor circuit 200 is determined by the states of the switches SW21, SW12, SW21, SW22, SW31, SW32, SW41, SW42, SW51 and SW52. Therefore, the user can switch the switches SW21, SW12, SW21, SW22, SW31, SW32, SW41, SW42, SW51 and SW52 to enable the trimmable resistor circuit 200 to have the predetermined resistance value desired for the user.

FIG. 4A is a schematic top view showing a trimmable resistor circuit 400 in accordance with some embodiments of the present disclosure. The trimmable resistor circuit 400 is similar to the trimmable resistor circuit 100, but the difference is in that the fourth row 14, the fifth row 15 and the resistors R24, R25, R34, R35, R44, R45, R54 and R55 are omitted in the trimmable resistor circuit 400. In some embodiments, the trimmable resistor circuit 100 can be divided into a first resistor circuit 451, a second resistor circuit 452, a third resistor circuit 453, a fourth resistor circuit 454, a first isolation circuit 455, a second isolation circuit 456 and a third isolation circuit 457. The first isolation circuit 455 is similar to the first isolation circuit 155 shown in FIG. 1A, but the first isolation circuit 455 does not includes the gate structures 120 in the fourth row 14 and the fifth row 15. The second isolation circuit 456 is similar to the second isolation circuit 156 shown in FIG. 1A, but the second isolation circuit 456 does not includes the gate structures 120 in the fourth row 14 and the fifth row 15. The third isolation circuit 457 is similar to the third isolation circuit 157 shown in FIG. 1A, but the third isolation circuit 457 does not includes the gate structures 120 in the fourth row 14 and the fifth row 15.

FIG. 4B is a schematic top view showing the first resistor circuit 451 and an equivalent circuit thereof in accordance with some embodiments of the present disclosure. The first resistor circuit 451 is similar the first resistor circuit 151 shown in FIG. 1B. However, the first resistor circuit 451 does not include the fourth row 14 and the fifth row 15 shown in FIG. 1B. In this case, the resistor R23 is electrically connected between the source/drain 111 f and the source/drain 111 l. When the first resistor circuit 451 is operated, the gate structures 121 a and 121 f in the first row 11 and the sixth row 16 are always short-circuited to reduce the values of the parasitic resistances R_(parasitic-61) and R_(parasitic-62), and the gate structures 121 b and 121 c are turned on/off in accordance with the predetermined resistance value. Therefore, switches SW61 and SW62 are used to represent the gate structures 121 b and 121 c, and resistance ER6 is used to represent a sum of the values of the resistors R21, R22 and R23.

FIG. 4C is a schematic top view showing the second resistor circuit 452 and an equivalent circuit thereof in accordance with some embodiments of the present disclosure. The second resistor circuit 452 is similar the second resistor circuit 152 shown in FIG. 1C. However, the second resistor circuit 452 does not include the fourth row 14 and the fifth row 15 shown in FIG. 1C. In this case, the resistor R33 is electrically connected between the source/drain 112 f and the source/drain 112 l. When the second resistor circuit 452 is operated, the gate structures 122 a and 122 f in the first row 11 and the sixth row 16 are always short-circuited to reduce the values of the parasitic resistances R_(parasitic-71) and R_(parasitic-72), and the gate structures 122 b and 122 c are turned on/off in accordance with the predetermined resistance value. Therefore, switches SW71 and SW72 are used to represent the gate structures 122 b and 122 c, and resistance ER7 is used to represent a sum of the values of the resistors R31, R32 and R23.

FIG. 4D is a schematic top view showing the third resistor circuit 453 and an equivalent circuit thereof in accordance with some embodiments of the present disclosure. The third resistor circuit 453 is similar the third resistor circuit 153 shown in FIG. 1D. However, the third resistor circuit 453 does not include the fourth row 14 and the fifth row 15 shown in FIG. 1D. In this case, the resistors R43 are electrically connected between the sources/drains 113 f and the sources/drains 113 l. The third resistor circuit 453 can be divided into a left part 453 a and a right part 453 b. When the third resistor circuit 453 is operated, the gate structures 123 g in the left part 453 a and the right part 453 b are always short-circuited to reduce the values of the parasitic resistances R_(parasitic-81) and R_(parasitic-82), and the gate structures 123 b and 123 c, disposed between the left part 453 a and the right part 453 b are turned on/off in accordance with the predetermined resistance value. Therefore, switches SW81 and SW82 are used to represent the gate structures 123 b and 123 c, and resistance ER8 is used to represent a sum of the values of the resistors R41, R42 and R43.

FIG. 4E is a schematic top view showing the fourth resistor circuit 454 and an equivalent circuit thereof in accordance with some embodiments of the present disclosure. The fourth resistor circuit 454 is similar the fourth resistor circuit 154 shown in FIG. 1E. However, the fourth resistor circuit 454 does not include the fourth row 14 and the fifth row 15 shown in FIG. 1E. In this case, the resistors R53 are electrically connected between the sources/drains 114 f and the sources/drains 114 l. The fourth resistor circuit 454 can be divided into a left part 454 a and a right part 454 b. When the fourth resistor circuit 454 is operated, the gate structures 124 g in the left part 454 a and the right part 454 b are always short-circuited to reduce the values of the parasitic resistances R_(parasitic-91) and R_(parasitic-92), and the gate structures 124 b and 124 c, disposed between the left part 454 a and the right part 454 b are turned on/off in accordance with the predetermined resistance value. Therefore, switches SW91 and SW92 are used to represent the gate structures 124 b and 124 c, and resistance ER9 is used to represent a sum of the values of the resistors R51, R52 and R53.

FIG. 4F is a schematic circuit diagram showing an equivalent circuit of the trimmable resistor circuit 400 in accordance with some embodiments of the present disclosure. Because the first resistor circuit 451, the second resistor circuit 452, the third resistor circuit 453 and the fourth resistor circuit 454 are electrically connected in parallel, the parasitic resistances R_(parasitic-61), R_(parasitic-71), R_(parasitic-81) and R_(parasitic-91) are electrically connected in parallel and represented by a parasitic resistance R_(parasitic-T41), and the parasitic resistances R_(parasitic-92), R_(parasitic-72), R_(parasitic-82) and R_(parasitic-92) are electrically connected in parallel and represented by a parasitic resistance R_(parasitic-T42). As shown in FIG. 4F, a resistance value of the trimmable resistor circuit 400 is determined by the states of the switches SW61, SW62, SW71, SW72, SW81, SW82, SW91 and SW92. Therefore, the user can switch the switches SW61, SW62, SW71, SW72, SW81, SW82, SW91 and SW92 to enable the trimmable resistor circuit 400 to have the predetermined resistance value desired for the user.

In the above embodiments, the trimmable resistor circuit includes plural rows of FinFET devices which can be divided into a first resistor circuit, a second resistor circuit, a third resistor circuit and a fourth resistor circuit. The gate structures in the first row and the last row are short-circuited to enable the first resistor circuit, the second resistor circuit, the third resistor circuit and the fourth resistor circuit to be electrically connected in parallel. At least one gate structure in each of the second row, the third row, the fourth row and the fifth row of the first resistor circuit, the second resistor circuit, the third resistor circuit and the fourth circuit are turned on/off in accordance with a predetermined resistance value desired for a user, thereby enabling the trimmable resistor circuit to have the predetermined resistance value. Therefore, the trimmable resistor circuit has better layout area utilization.

In some embodiments, a trimmable resistor circuit includes a plurality of first sources/drains and a plurality of first gate structures alternately arranged in a first row, a plurality of second sources/drains and a plurality of second gate structures alternately arranged in a second row, a plurality of third sources/drains and a plurality of third gate structures alternately arranged in a third row, a first resistor disposed between the first row and the second row, wherein one of the plurality of first sources/drains is electrically connected to a first one of the plurality of second sources/drains by the first resistor, and a second resistor disposed between the second row and the third row, wherein a second one of the plurality of second sources/drains is electrically connected to a first one of the plurality of third sources/drains by the second resistor. In some embodiments, the second one of the plurality of second sources/drains is a next one of the first one of the plurality of second sources/drains. In some embodiments, the trimmable resistor circuit further includes a plurality of fourth sources/drains and a plurality of fourth gate structures alternately arranged in a fourth row and a third resistor disposed between the third row and the fourth row, wherein a first one of the plurality of fourth sources/drains is electrically connected to a second one of the plurality of third sources/drains by the third resistor. In some embodiments, the third resistor is aligned with the first resistor in a lengthwise direction of the first and third resistors. In some embodiments, the second one of the plurality of third sources/drains is a next one of the first one of the plurality of third sources/drains. In some embodiments, the trimmable resistor circuit further includes a plurality of fifth sources/drains and a plurality of fifth gate structures alternately arranged in a fifth row and a fourth resistor disposed between the fourth row and the fifth row, wherein one of the plurality of fifth sources/drains is electrically connected to a second one of the plurality of fourth sources/drains by the fourth resistor. In some embodiments, the fourth resistor is aligned with the second resistor in a lengthwise direction of the second and fourth resistors. In some embodiments, the second one of the plurality of fourth sources/drains is a next one of the first one of the plurality of fourth sources/drains.

In some embodiments, a trimmable resistor circuit includes first source/drain features arranged in a first row, a first gate structure arranged in the first row and between the first source/drain features, second source/drain features arranged in a second row, a second gate structure arranged in the second row and between the second source/drain features, wherein the second gate structure is aligned with the first gate structure, a first resistor disposed between the first row and the second row and electrically connecting a first one of the first source/drain features and a first one of the second source/drain features, and a second resistor disposed between the first row and the second row and electrically connecting a second one of the first source/drain features and a second one of the second source/drain features. In some embodiments, the first source/drain features are arranged along a direction, and the first resistor is aligned with the second resistor along the direction. In some embodiments, the trimmable resistor circuit further includes third source/drain features arranged in a third row, a third gate structure arranged in the third row and between the third source/drain features, fourth source/drain features arranged in a fourth row, a fourth gate structure arranged in the fourth row and between the fourth source/drain features, wherein the third gate structure is aligned with the fourth gate structure, and a third resistor disposed between the third row and the fourth row and electrically connecting a first one of the third source/drain features and a first one of the fourth source/drain features. In some embodiments, the third source/drain features are arranged along a first direction, and the third resistor is aligned with the first resistor along a second direction perpendicular to the first direction. In some embodiments, the trimmable resistor circuit further includes a fourth resistor disposed between the third row and the fourth row and electrically connecting a second one of the third source/drain features and a second one of the fourth source/drain features. In some embodiments, the fourth source/drain features are arranged along a first direction, and the fourth resistor is aligned with the second resistor along a second direction perpendicular to the first direction. In some embodiments, the fourth resistor is misaligned with the first resistor. In some embodiments, the third resistor is misaligned with the second resistor.

In some embodiments, a trimmable resistor circuit includes first source/drain features arranged in a first row, a first gate structure arranged in the first row and between the first source/drain features, second source/drain features arranged in a second row next to the first row, a second gate structure arranged in the second row and between the second source/drain features, wherein the second gate structure is aligned with the first gate structure, a first resistor disposed between the first row and the second row and is electrically connected to one of the first source/drain features and a first one of the second source/drain features, third source/drain features arranged in a third row next to the second row, a third gate structure arranged in the third row and between the third source/drain features, fourth source/drain features arranged in a fourth row next to the third row, a fourth gate structure arranged in the fourth row and between the fourth source/drain features, wherein the fourth gate structure is aligned with the third gate structure, and a second resistor disposed between the third row and the fourth row and is electrically connected to a first one of the third source/drain features and one of the fourth source/drain features. In some embodiments, the trimmable resistor circuit further includes a third resistor disposed between the second row and the third row, wherein the third resistor is electrically connected to a second one of the second source/drain features and a second one of the third source/drain features. In some embodiments, the third resistor is misaligned with the first resistor and the second resistor. In some embodiments, the first resistor is aligned with the second resistor.

The foregoing outlines features of several embodiments so that those skilled in the art may better understand the aspects of the present disclosure. Those skilled in the art should appreciate that they may readily use the present disclosure as a basis for designing or modifying other processes and structures for carrying out the same purposes and/or achieving the same advantages of the embodiments introduced herein. Those skilled in the art should also realize that such equivalent constructions do not depart from the spirit and scope of the present disclosure, and that they may make various changes, substitutions, and alterations herein without departing from the spirit and scope of the present disclosure. 

What is claimed is:
 1. A trimmable resistor circuit, comprising: a plurality of first sources/drains and a plurality of first gate structures alternately arranged in a first row; a plurality of second sources/drains and a plurality of second gate structures alternately arranged in a second row; a plurality of third sources/drains and a plurality of third gate structures alternately arranged in a third row; a first resistor disposed between the first row and the second row, wherein one of the plurality of first sources/drains is electrically connected to a first one of the plurality of second sources/drains by the first resistor; and a second resistor disposed between the second row and the third row, wherein a second one of the plurality of second sources/drains is electrically connected to a first one of the plurality of third sources/drains by the second resistor.
 2. The trimmable resistor circuit of claim 1, wherein the second one of the plurality of second sources/drains is a next one of the first one of the plurality of second sources/drains.
 3. The trimmable resistor circuit of claim 1, further comprising: a plurality of fourth sources/drains and a plurality of fourth gate structures alternately arranged in a fourth row; and a third resistor disposed between the third row and the fourth row, wherein a first one of the plurality of fourth sources/drains is electrically connected to a second one of the plurality of third sources/drains by the third resistor.
 4. The trimmable resistor circuit of claim 3, wherein the third resistor is aligned with the first resistor in a lengthwise direction of the first and third resistors.
 5. The trimmable resistor circuit of claim 3, wherein the second one of the plurality of third sources/drains is a next one of the first one of the plurality of third sources/drains.
 6. The trimmable resistor circuit of claim 3, further comprising: a plurality of fifth sources/drains and a plurality of fifth gate structures alternately arranged in a fifth row; and a fourth resistor disposed between the fourth row and the fifth row, wherein one of the plurality of fifth sources/drains is electrically connected to a second one of the plurality of fourth sources/drains by the fourth resistor.
 7. The trimmable resistor circuit of claim 6, wherein the fourth resistor is aligned with the second resistor in a lengthwise direction of the second and fourth resistors.
 8. The trimmable resistor circuit of claim 6, wherein the second one of the plurality of fourth sources/drains is a next one of the first one of the plurality of fourth sources/drains.
 9. A trimmable resistor circuit, comprising: first source/drain features arranged in a first row; a first gate structure arranged in the first row and between the first source/drain features; second source/drain features arranged in a second row; a second gate structure arranged in the second row and between the second source/drain features, wherein the second gate structure is aligned with the first gate structure; a first resistor disposed between the first row and the second row and electrically connecting a first one of the first source/drain features and a first one of the second source/drain features; and a second resistor disposed between the first row and the second row and electrically connecting a second one of the first source/drain features and a second one of the second source/drain features.
 10. The trimmable resistor circuit of claim 9, wherein the first source/drain features are arranged along a direction, and the first resistor is aligned with the second resistor along the direction.
 11. The trimmable resistor circuit of claim 9, further comprising: third source/drain features arranged in a third row; a third gate structure arranged in the third row and between the third source/drain features; fourth source/drain features arranged in a fourth row; a fourth gate structure arranged in the fourth row and between the fourth source/drain features, wherein the third gate structure is aligned with the fourth gate structure; and a third resistor disposed between the third row and the fourth row and electrically connecting a first one of the third source/drain features and a first one of the fourth source/drain features.
 12. The trimmable resistor circuit of claim II, wherein the third source/drain features are arranged along a first direction, and the third resistor is aligned with the first resistor along a second direction perpendicular to the first direction.
 13. The trimmable resistor circuit of claim 11, further comprising: a fourth resistor disposed between the third row and the fourth row and electrically connecting a second one of the third source/drain features and a second one of the fourth source/drain features.
 14. The trimmable resistor circuit of claim 13, wherein the fourth source/drain features are arranged along a first direction, and the fourth resistor is aligned with the second resistor along a second direction perpendicular to the first direction.
 15. The trimmable resistor circuit of claim 13, wherein the fourth resistor is misaligned with the first resistor.
 16. The trimmable resistor circuit of claim 13, wherein the third resistor is misaligned with the second resistor.
 17. A trimmable resistor circuit, comprising: first source/drain features arranged in a first row; a first gate structure arranged in the first row and between the first source/drain features; second source/drain features arranged in a second row next to the first row; a second gate structure arranged in the second row and between the second source/drain features, wherein the second gate structure is aligned with the first gate structure; a first resistor disposed between the first row and the second row and is electrically connected to one of the first source/drain features and a first one of the second source/drain features; third source/drain features arranged in a third row next to the second row; a third gate structure arranged in the third row and between the third source/drain features; fourth source/drain features arranged in a fourth row next to the third row; a fourth gate structure arranged in the fourth row and between the fourth source/drain features, wherein the fourth gate structure is aligned with the third gate structure; and a second resistor disposed between the third row and the fourth row and is electrically connected to a first one of the third source/drain features and one of the fourth source/drain features.
 18. The trimmable resistor circuit of claim 17, further comprising: a third resistor disposed between the second row and the third row, wherein the third resistor is electrically connected to a second one of the second source/drain features and a second one of the third source/drain features.
 19. The trimmable resistor circuit of claim 18, wherein the third resistor is misaligned with the first resistor and the second resistor.
 20. The trimmable resistor circuit of claim 17, wherein the first resistor is aligned with the second resistor. 